Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948 - Pacifist
Mohandas Gandhi later referred to as Mahatma Gandhi brought people to understand that every dispute does not have to be solved by violence. Preaching his philosophy of peace and non-violence to achieve your greatest desires was the best weapon anyone could create. He was born during the period of The Raj. Living most of his early life in South Africa and then in India, he was well educated although he found most things that he was learning quite difficult. Being the youngest child he usually got his way and was exceedingly pampered. He was shy and didn’t like a lot of company which is an extraordinary quality that he overcame to become one of the world’s most influential personalities. His father, Karamchand, was the diwan of the small city-state of Porbandar. As well as his grandfather, the family had served as diwans to various rulers in western India, hoping that the tradition would be passed on to his son. Gandhi was brought up as a Hindu, but wasn’t as deeply interested until he journeyed to England. When he was studying in London he discovered the original Hindu scriptures and others of the world. He was particularly interested in a little religion that was based just outside of India called Jainism. The Jains didn’t believe in violence towards any living creature. This was one of the main influences Gandhi had when starting to protest against political disputes. He moved to South Africa to work as an advisor to an Indian company called Dada Abdullah. He was disgusted and disappointed when he heard about how the Indians were treated. An incident on the train involved him being thrown off because he was sitting in the first-class section even though he had a first class ticket. This triggered his determination to make things right for the Indians in South Africa. This act was exceptionally dangerous for Gandhi to conquer as many whites in the South African wanted him dead. When Gandhi left South Africa and then later returned he was beaten and excessively bashed, but instead of scaring him it only made Gandhi stronger and more determined. From these moments on he started speaking in courts, and writing to the newspapers to try and convince the whites to allow equality, but Gandhi new they would not co-operate. During these battles a war broke out between both white settles the British and the Boers. During this conflict Gandhi had more than 1000 people helping him recuperate the injured British. Although this act was generous and the British were thankful, the Indians were continually being harassed. So Gandhi began a campaign once more. In 1903, the Transvaal government passed a law that required the South African Indians to register themselves; this was one of the examples where the Indians were humiliated. Gandhi upset with this new law set up a protest in 1906 called Satyagraha, which was a search for justice and equality amongst the whites and Indians. As many refused to register themselves some of them including Gandhi were thrown into prison. This provoked the Indians to achieve justice by the immense quantity of Indian protesters. Finally, in 1914, the government gave up in trying to have order, so they banished the special taxation, they acknowledged the Hindu marriages and at last justice and equality had been gained. After he felt that what he had done in South Africa was satisfied he returned to India in 1915. Returning to India he met a great philosopher named Rabindranath Tagore, who had won the Nobel Prize in 1913. He noticed that Gandhi was a calm individual with almost holy quality; these observations adapted a name Mahatma meaning “great soul.” Although Gandhi hated violence he accepted the war and was loyal to the British. He thought that if India was loyal towards the British then they would consider giving them an identity and becoming their own country. In 1919, Gandhi decided to have a peaceful protest that involved prayers and processions. When the hartal took place, everything shut down. Although this protest was peaceful, Gandhi was held in prison for a short while. In this period he heard that there were major outbreaks of violence and several British people were killed, Gandhi was extremely upset. Furthermore, an even more serious incident occurred in the Punjab with physical retaliation between both Indians and the British. When Gandhi was asked permission to see what had just occurred he was refused, but it didn’t take him long to realise that the situation had been violent, so he called off the hartal. Some good did rise from the tragedy that had just occurred which was the British realisation that the determination of the Indians was extraordinary. In 1919, Gandhi decided to create a campaign against the British government, and once more Gandhi found himself in prison. This time it was more a longer period of 4 years, which was a good way to understand the situation as a full and maneuver a way around a protest to avoid the violence.
“I ran the risk and if I was set free I would still do the same… I am, therefore, here to submit not to a light penalty but to the highest penalty. I do not ask for mercy”
This was cut short because he became ill with appendicitis, which allowed him only 2 years in prison. Gandhi realised that for life to improve in India it would not be enough to end the British war but to end the problems that India faced as well. In 1929, the British were still refusing to let India become an independent country, so Gandhi planned a new approach to protesting. One of the British laws was to gather and sell salt, rebutting to this law Gandhi and thousands of followers walked to the shores and picked up salt, as more and more people were hearing about this protest more people joined. News of the march spread worldwide. With much success he was invited to the Round Table conference in London, where he was warmly welcomed. Although Gandhi’s intention was for the change of law considering the untouchables was not acknowledged. When he returned to India he made plans to persuade the politicians to change the law, and he was successful. He spent the next few years doing welfare work and helping the untouchables manage their lifestyles. In 1935, Britain took a massive step in creating the Government of India Act, which allowed the control of local affairs to elected provincial governments. Then in 1939, World War II broke out and Britain was not going to announce India’s independence unless they scored victory. After the call for India to quit, Gandhi, his secretary and wife were imprisoned for almost two years. Within these early two years as Gandhi was thinking of major decisions to seek equality and serenity within India but major incidents distorted his focus, both his wife and close secretary died early in the imprisonment. Both these deaths had a major contribution to Gandhi’s halt on humanity. Not until Autumn did he feel comfortable to fill his duties. Until August a new government was introduced and Winston Churchill was replaced with Clement Attlee. The Labour Party quickly announced a threat they wanted India to be self-governed. Change was arriving in time, and there would be an election in India. India became independent on August 15th, 1947. As the dispute between both Hindu’s and Muslims was still not settled the country was divided and the west side is now known as Pakistan. This dispute contributed to his death. He was assassinated while in a prayer meeting. An enormous tribute for Gandhi was given by one of his close friends who had become Prime Minister called Jawaharlal Nehru.
“The light that shone in this country was no ordinary light… that light represented the living truth… drawing us from error, taking this ancient country to freedom”
Quote from Jawaharlal Nehru on Gandhi’s death, January 30th 1948
Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi is the most influential individual in world history. He conquered independence within India, and didn’t stop from an exceedingly young age. Determination and the act of non-violence was taught throughout the world, teaching us that disputes can be settled by pacifism. Although Gandhi stated that his life was not a success people around the world are free to think differently. He shows great momentum and willpower to achieve what he wanted, which was harmony and independence. He deeply regrets for all the violence that broke out and takes full responsibility for those occurring events. However, without his help the bloodshed levels could be a lot higher. He helped people make a better life for themselves and introduced local products. Helping many Indians acknowledge the “untouchables” and convince them that they are people too. He showed that Satyagraha is just as powerful as any weapon in the world to achieve victory. He gave much influence over other non-violent leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.
Artifact
Featured on stamps that were throughout India, his influence was enormous over the government and the people of India. Not many people except of high status was able to appear on such objects.
Timeline 1869– Mohandas Gandhi is born 1883 – Marries Kasturbai 1888-91 – Becomes a law student in London 1893 – Arrived in South Africa 1901 – 1902 – Visits India 1903 – Beings journal named influential people 1906 – The Satyagraha campaign begins 1908 – First prison sentence 1913 – 1914 – Massive Satyagraha campaign gains large measures of success 1914 – He leaves South Africa and visits Britain 1915 – Returns to India. Tours the country; establishes the Ashram near Ahmedabad 1919 – The Amritsar Massacre 1920 – Becomes President of the All-India Home Rule League 1922 – 1924 – He is imprisoned again 1925 – 1928 – Tours India, speaking on social reforms 1929-1930 – The Salt March 1931 – The Round Table 1932 – He is imprisoned again. He fasts against the unfair treatment of the ‘untouchables’, the Harijan Hindus 1933 – 1929 – Tours India, speaking on welfare and social issues 1942 – 1944 – Imprisoned for calling on Britain to leave India 1947 – Indian Independence. Creation of Pakistan 1948 – Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi
Bibliography
Type of Source
Style
Book
Philip Wilkinson, (2005), Gandhi, the Young Protestor who founded a nation, London: Richard Green.
Book
Simon Adams, (2002), Mahatma Gandhi, London: Franklin Watts
Book
Nigel Hunter, (1986), Gandhi, East Sussex: Wayland (Publishers) Limited
Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948 - Pacifist
Mohandas Gandhi later referred to as Mahatma Gandhi brought people to understand that every dispute does not have to be solved by violence. Preaching his philosophy of peace and non-violence to achieve your greatest desires was the best weapon anyone could create. He was born during the period of The Raj. Living most of his early life in South Africa and then in India, he was well educated although he found most things that he was learning quite difficult. Being the youngest child he usually got his way and was exceedingly pampered. He was shy and didn’t like a lot of company which is an extraordinary quality that he overcame to become one of the world’s most influential personalities. His father, Karamchand, was the diwan of the small city-state of Porbandar. As well as his grandfather, the family had served as diwans to various rulers in western India, hoping that the tradition would be passed on to his son.
Gandhi was brought up as a Hindu, but wasn’t as deeply interested until he journeyed to England. When he was studying in London he discovered the original Hindu scriptures and others of the world. He was particularly interested in a little religion that was based just outside of India called Jainism. The Jains didn’t believe in violence towards any living creature. This was one of the main influences Gandhi had when starting to protest against political disputes.
He moved to South Africa to work as an advisor to an Indian company called Dada Abdullah. He was disgusted and disappointed when he heard about how the Indians were treated. An incident on the train involved him being thrown off because he was sitting in the first-class section even though he had a first class ticket. This triggered his determination to make things right for the Indians in South Africa. This act was exceptionally dangerous for Gandhi to conquer as many whites in the South African wanted him dead. When Gandhi left South Africa and then later returned he was beaten and excessively bashed, but instead of scaring him it only made Gandhi stronger and more determined. From these moments on he started speaking in courts, and writing to the newspapers to try and convince the whites to allow equality, but Gandhi new they would not co-operate. During these battles a war broke out between both white settles the British and the Boers. During this conflict Gandhi had more than 1000 people helping him recuperate the injured British. Although this act was generous and the British were thankful, the Indians were continually being harassed. So Gandhi began a campaign once more.
In 1903, the Transvaal government passed a law that required the South African Indians to register themselves; this was one of the examples where the Indians were humiliated. Gandhi upset with this new law set up a protest in 1906 called Satyagraha, which was a search for justice and equality amongst the whites and Indians. As many refused to register themselves some of them including Gandhi were thrown into prison. This provoked the Indians to achieve justice by the immense quantity of Indian protesters. Finally, in 1914, the government gave up in trying to have order, so they banished the special taxation, they acknowledged the Hindu marriages and at last justice and equality had been gained. After he felt that what he had done in South Africa was satisfied he returned to India in 1915.
Returning to India he met a great philosopher named Rabindranath Tagore, who had won the Nobel Prize in 1913. He noticed that Gandhi was a calm individual with almost holy quality; these observations adapted a name Mahatma meaning “great soul.”
Although Gandhi hated violence he accepted the war and was loyal to the British. He thought that if India was loyal towards the British then they would consider giving them an identity and becoming their own country. In 1919, Gandhi decided to have a peaceful protest that involved prayers and processions. When the hartal took place, everything shut down. Although this protest was peaceful, Gandhi was held in prison for a short while. In this period he heard that there were major outbreaks of violence and several British people were killed, Gandhi was extremely upset. Furthermore, an even more serious incident occurred in the Punjab with physical retaliation between both Indians and the British. When Gandhi was asked permission to see what had just occurred he was refused, but it didn’t take him long to realise that the situation had been violent, so he called off the hartal. Some good did rise from the tragedy that had just occurred which was the British realisation that the determination of the Indians was extraordinary.
In 1919, Gandhi decided to create a campaign against the British government, and once more Gandhi found himself in prison. This time it was more a longer period of 4 years, which was a good way to understand the situation as a full and maneuver a way around a protest to avoid the violence.
“I ran the risk and if I was set free I would still do the same… I am, therefore, here to submit not to a light penalty but to the highest penalty. I do not ask for mercy”
This was cut short because he became ill with appendicitis, which allowed him only 2 years in prison. Gandhi realised that for life to improve in India it would not be enough to end the British war but to end the problems that India faced as well.
In 1929, the British were still refusing to let India become an independent country, so Gandhi planned a new approach to protesting. One of the British laws was to gather and sell salt, rebutting to this law Gandhi and thousands of followers walked to the shores and picked up salt, as more and more people were hearing about this protest more people joined. News of the march spread worldwide.
With much success he was invited to the Round Table conference in London, where he was warmly welcomed. Although Gandhi’s intention was for the change of law considering the untouchables was not acknowledged. When he returned to India he made plans to persuade the politicians to change the law, and he was successful. He spent the next few years doing welfare work and helping the untouchables manage their lifestyles. In 1935, Britain took a massive step in creating the Government of India Act, which allowed the control of local affairs to elected provincial governments. Then in 1939, World War II broke out and Britain was not going to announce India’s independence unless they scored victory.
After the call for India to quit, Gandhi, his secretary and wife were imprisoned for almost two years. Within these early two years as Gandhi was thinking of major decisions to seek equality and serenity within India but major incidents distorted his focus, both his wife and close secretary died early in the imprisonment. Both these deaths had a major contribution to Gandhi’s halt on humanity. Not until Autumn did he feel comfortable to fill his duties.
Until August a new government was introduced and Winston Churchill was replaced with Clement Attlee. The Labour Party quickly announced a threat they wanted India to be self-governed. Change was arriving in time, and there would be an election in India. India became independent on August 15th, 1947. As the dispute between both Hindu’s and Muslims was still not settled the country was divided and the west side is now known as Pakistan. This dispute contributed to his death. He was assassinated while in a prayer meeting.
An enormous tribute for Gandhi was given by one of his close friends who had become Prime Minister called Jawaharlal Nehru.
“The light that shone in this country was no ordinary light… that light represented the living truth… drawing us from error, taking this ancient country to freedom”
Quote from Jawaharlal Nehru on Gandhi’s death, January 30th 1948
Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi is the most influential individual in world history. He conquered independence within India, and didn’t stop from an exceedingly young age. Determination and the act of non-violence was taught throughout the world, teaching us that disputes can be settled by pacifism. Although Gandhi stated that his life was not a success people around the world are free to think differently. He shows great momentum and willpower to achieve what he wanted, which was harmony and independence. He deeply regrets for all the violence that broke out and takes full responsibility for those occurring events. However, without his help the bloodshed levels could be a lot higher. He helped people make a better life for themselves and introduced local products. Helping many Indians acknowledge the “untouchables” and convince them that they are people too. He showed that Satyagraha is just as powerful as any weapon in the world to achieve victory. He gave much influence over other non-violent leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.
Artifact
Featured on stamps that were throughout India, his influence was enormous over the government and the people of India. Not many people except of high status was able to appear on such objects.
Timeline
1869 – Mohandas Gandhi is born
1883 – Marries Kasturbai
1888-91 – Becomes a law student in London
1893 – Arrived in South Africa
1901 – 1902 – Visits India
1903 – Beings journal named influential people
1906 – The Satyagraha campaign begins
1908 – First prison sentence
1913 – 1914 – Massive Satyagraha campaign gains large measures of success
1914 – He leaves South Africa and visits Britain
1915 – Returns to India. Tours the country; establishes the Ashram near Ahmedabad
1919 – The Amritsar Massacre
1920 – Becomes President of the All-India Home Rule League
1922 – 1924 – He is imprisoned again
1925 – 1928 – Tours India, speaking on social reforms
1929-1930 – The Salt March
1931 – The Round Table
1932 – He is imprisoned again. He fasts against the unfair treatment of the ‘untouchables’, the Harijan Hindus
1933 – 1929 – Tours India, speaking on welfare and social issues
1942 – 1944 – Imprisoned for calling on Britain to leave India
1947 – Indian Independence. Creation of Pakistan
1948 – Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi
Bibliography
http://www.mkgandhi.org/
http://www.indianchild.com/mahatma_gandhi.htm